Skywalk a controversy in new convention center
What do we think about this, urbanists? Is this really a deal breaker?
"The design should not include ‘skywalk’ connections …, which would limit convention attendee opportunities to interact with and patronize downtown businesses. Skywalks would also undermine the quality of public space in the downtown, in contradiction to city plans and goals."
@benfulton @bloomington_in I am puzzled by this, but also kinda cynical. Are there vendors within the convention center who don't want to compete with the surrounding town?
What's the problem with conventioneers "interact[ing] with and patroniz[ing] downtown businesses"? I though that was the main reason for cities to get convention centers.
The only thing that can explain this is in-house protectionism.
@ObbieZ @bloomington_in The people who are against the skywalk think conventioneers will never leave their bubble if they don't have to. They want to avoid the skywalk to get people wandering around the downtown.